beak

noun

ˈbēk 

1

a

: the bill of a bird

especially : a strong short broad bill

b(1)

: the elongated sucking mouth of some insects (such as the true bugs)

(2)

: any of various rigid projecting mouth structures (as of a turtle)

c

: the human nose

2

: a pointed structure or formation:

a

: a metal-pointed beam projecting from the bow especially of an ancient galley for piercing an enemy ship

b

: the spout of a vessel

c

: a continuous slight architectural projection ending in an arris see molding illustration

d

: a process suggesting the beak of a bird

3

chiefly British

a

: magistrate

b

: headmaster

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective

beaky

ˈbē-kē 

adjective

Synonyms

• mouth
• mandible
• muzzle

Examples of beak in a Sentence

the beak of a hawk

an actor with a big beak

Recent Examples on the Web

In either case, neither of their beaks is very long. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Lowthorpe unhurriedly reflects Helen’s sense of wonder, taking the time to admire the hawk’s plumage and the deadly weapons that are its talons and beak. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

Their beaks are longer and slightly curved downward, which is ideal for their broad, omnivorous diet. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025

Also called cranesbill because of the shape of their beak-like fruit produced after flowering, perennial geranium has an appealing minty-spicy scent that deer don’t like. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bec, from Anglo-French, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for beak

• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

Kids Definition

beak

noun

ˈbēk 

1

a

: the bill of a bird

especially : the bill of a bird of prey adapted for striking and tearing

b

: any of various rigid mouth structures (as of a turtle) that stick out

also : the long sucking mouth of some insects

c

: the human nose

2

: a part shaped like a beak

beaked

ˈbēkt 

adjective